Authors

  1. Nelson, Patricia R. PT, ScD, OCS
  2. Boissonnault, Jill S. PT, PhD, WCS
  3. Anderson, Kathleen PT, PhD, OCS, FAAOMPT
  4. Figuers, Carol MS, EdD
  5. Dockter, Mary K. PT, PhD

Abstract

Objective: To conduct a survey using evidence from community stakeholders in order to update the Doctor of Physical Therapy Guidelines for Women's Health Content in Professional Physical Therapist Education (Guideline).

 

Study Design: Survey research report.

 

Background: The original content Guideline was published in 2005 with expectations that it would be updated every 5 years. A task force appointed in 2011 undertook this work.

 

Methods and Measures: A survey was developed and fielded electronically to all 202 accredited academic programs in December 2011. A modified academic survey was fielded to the clinical community. The clinician survey was sent electronically to 1951 members of the Section on Women's Health in April 2012. Analysis of results and percent agreement were used to define elements included in the updated Guideline.

 

Results: There was a high agreement on content to be taught in Doctor of Physical Therapy entry-level curricula. Response rate was 102 (51%) for the academic survey and 340 (17%) for the clinician survey. Areas with equivocal input were evaluated by the task force.

 

Conclusion: Key stakeholder input attained via survey data assisted the task force in its efforts to produce the Doctor of Physical Therapy Guidelines for Women's Health Content in Professional Physical Therapist Education: 2014 Update.